Hakim Danish Showing Promise as He Compares to Veda Ega Pratama in Moto3
Brazilian Grand Prix results are highlighting the emerging talent of young Malaysian racer Hakim Danish, who is quickly drawing comparisons to Indonesian rider Veda Ega Pratama. Both riders are rookies in the 2026 Moto3 season, and both previously competed in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup in 2025, setting the stage for a compelling rivalry.
Rookies on the Rise
Danish and Pratama were closely matched during the 2025 Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup season. Pratama ultimately finished as the runner-up behind Brian Uriarte, even as Danish secured a respectable third-place finish. This close competition carried over into the 2026 Moto3 season, with both riders demonstrating their potential on the world stage.
Brazilian Grand Prix Performance
At the Moto3 Brazilian Grand Prix held at the Autódromo Internacional Ayrton Senna in Goiana, Brazil on March 22, 2026, Hakim Danish started from third position on the grid. While he ultimately finished tenth, securing 10 points, Veda Ega Pratama achieved a podium finish, starting from fourth and claiming third place. The contrasting results have sparked discussion about the two riders’ trajectories and potential for future success.
Expert Analysis: A Bright Future for Danish
Former Moto3 racer Zulfahmi Khairuddin believes Hakim Danish is on the right path and has the potential to achieve podium finishes this season. “He is really determined to improve his results. We can see the results he achieved at the Brazilian GP,” Khairuddin stated, according to Stadium Astro. Khairuddin emphasized the strong performance of riders emerging from the Rookies Cup and expressed confidence in Danish’s ability to contend for victories.
Khairuddin added, “I don’t want to set a low target for him. I want him to chase at least once in 22 rounds.” He attributes this optimism to Danish’s competitive team, stating, “He is in a competitive team.”
Early Season Results and Championship Standings
Danish’s start to the 2026 Moto3 season saw a challenging eighteenth-place finish at the opening round in Thailand, where he failed to score points. However, his tenth-place finish in Brazil earned him 6 points, bringing his total to 6 points and placing him thirteenth in the Moto3 championship standings after two races.
The early stages of the season suggest a steep learning curve for both Danish and Pratama as they adapt to the demands of the Moto3 World Championship. However, their backgrounds in the Red Bull MotoGP Rookies Cup and their demonstrated talent indicate they are well-equipped to develop significant strides throughout the year.
The competition between these two rising stars promises to be a captivating storyline as the 2026 Moto3 season unfolds. Fans will be watching closely to see if Hakim Danish can build on his early momentum and challenge for podium finishes, mirroring the success already achieved by Veda Ega Pratama.
(sry/nva)
The next race on the Moto3 calendar is the Grand Prix of the Americas, scheduled for April 14, 2026, at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. This event will provide another opportunity for Hakim Danish and Veda Ega Pratama to showcase their skills and continue their promising rookie seasons.
